In recent decades, countries around the globe have taken measures to stop sexual exploitation of children by transnational offenders. But despite the growing attention for this problem, scientific... Show moreIn recent decades, countries around the globe have taken measures to stop sexual exploitation of children by transnational offenders. But despite the growing attention for this problem, scientific research about sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism (SECTT) is in its infancy. Using a novel application of the theoretical framework of guardianship to SECTT, this doctoral dissertation investigates the role of third parties in combating child sexual exploitation by transnational offenders. How can governments, in both destination and sending countries, enact guardianship against SECTT? To what extent can individual citizens, like you and me, help to stop it? And which lessons can be learned for more effective policy?The studies in this book illustrate the possibilities and challenges for governments and citizens to enact guardianship against SECTT, while demonstrating different research methods that can be used to bring more light to this under-researched problem. Highlighting the importance of perceptions, unpicking the responsibilities of sending countries, and at times challenging popular conceptions, the book’s timely plea against superficial solutions draws attention to the need for more evidence-based policy. Those involved in child protection, from academics to practitioners, will find the material in this book an insightful starting point to inform new ways of confronting SECTT. Show less
Controlling mobilities in the EU is increasingly depending on information and information technology. Abolishing permanent border control between Schengen Member States has created the dilemma... Show moreControlling mobilities in the EU is increasingly depending on information and information technology. Abolishing permanent border control between Schengen Member States has created the dilemma of economic benefits versus security issues of the freedom of movement. The solution to this issue is often sought in the development and implementation of information technology. While expectations of information and information technologies are high, empirical research on how such border technologies are used in practice is scarce and subsequently little is known about to what extent the envisioned benefits are actually achieved. This dissertation aims to gain more insight in the use of information and information technology in controlling mobilities in intra-Schengen border areas by using a case study of the Mobile Security Monitor as carried out by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Through extensive observations of border checks, focus groups with border patrol officers, interviews with Marechaussee staff members, discourse analysis of political debates and policy documentation and quantitative data, this dissertation aims to gain insight in the decision-making process on the political, organizational and street-level and the role of information and information technology therein. Show less
The rise of ISIS and the recent terrorist attacks in Europe have raised a collective alertness for a potential terrorist attack. The presence of jihadist networks in the Netherlands, and the... Show moreThe rise of ISIS and the recent terrorist attacks in Europe have raised a collective alertness for a potential terrorist attack. The presence of jihadist networks in the Netherlands, and the significant outflow of young people to conflict areas in the Middle East to join the jihad, have greatly enhanced this anxiety. But how are these networks organized and how do they prepare their jihad? How do people get involved in jihadist networks and how important is ideology in that regard? Answering such questions will help to understand how jihadist networks operate, which can be useful knowledge for policy makers and practitioners who aim to counter terrorist threats. Using unique data from police files, interviews, and trial observations, while utilizing different analytical methods, this study provides an in-depth insight into the modus operandi of jihadist networks in the Netherlands. The findings show how jihadist networks have changed over the years and how this development has affected the way jihadists operate. Show less
Legal actors typically decide case by case and rely on their own knowledge and experience to make legal decisions. However, an overview of what is happening in the legal system as a whole is... Show moreLegal actors typically decide case by case and rely on their own knowledge and experience to make legal decisions. However, an overview of what is happening in the legal system as a whole is often lacking. While many sentences are imposed by legal actors, much remains unknown about the determinants and consequences of sentencing at the aggregate level. How can legal actors impose deliberate and effective sentences? The Dutch Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure obviously give some guidance, but also leave judges with high levels of discretion. This study zooms in on offender characteristics as determinants of sentencing decisions and addresses questions about the consequences of certain sentences on criminal behavior with a specific focus on the incapacitation effect and recidivism after specific sanctions. By focusing on the determinants of decisions at different points in the sentencing process, and on the effects of sentences, this study creates a better understanding of the different facets of the criminal justice system. This study reveals offender based disparities in contemporary sentencing practices and points out that certain intended future benefits in terms of crime reduction through punishment do not appear to be achieved. Show less
The thesis deals with the history of terrorism and counter-terrorism legislation, focussing on the legislation in the UK, Spain, Germany and France, in the last 30 years, and analysing its... Show moreThe thesis deals with the history of terrorism and counter-terrorism legislation, focussing on the legislation in the UK, Spain, Germany and France, in the last 30 years, and analysing its compatibility with national and European human rights standards. Show less
